Ed Brewster will be the interim president for Grays Harbor College through the end of the current school year and through the next.

The college’s board of trustees voted unanimously last week to extend Brewster’s contract until at least the end of the 2021-2022 academic year.

The decision was influenced by the pandemic.

“It is prudent to delay the search at this time,” said Dr. Harry Carthum, Board Chairman. “The safety of our college community remains a priority during the pandemic, along with the safety of the candidates, who we want to bring to campus.”

Brewster was president of the college for more than a decade before retiring. Jim Minkler took over for Brewster and served for four years before retiring in July for medical reasons. That’s when Brewster came out of retirement on an interim basis.

Fall and winter quarters are being taught online, utilizing Zoom, Canvas, YouTube and other relevant technologies, with the exception of a few programs that require hands-on application.

“Having candidates visit the campus in-person to meet with students, staff, and faculty is an integral part of identifying the most suitable candidate to lead GHC,” explained Carthum. “The board is grateful for Dr. Brewster’s willingness to extend his contract and continue to lead the college during these challenging times.”

Initially, the board intended to begin its search for a permanent replacement this fall and will now postpone those efforts until fall 2021.